Questions You Should Ask Before Renting a Self-Storage Unit

Renting a self-storage unit for the first time can be intimidating! You want the best location, security, quality, and accessibility that you can afford. But how do you know exactly what you need? Here are some common questions people ask about renting a self-storage unit for the first time.

How Do I Choose the Right Size Self-Storage Unit?

There are many factors to choosing the right size for a self-storage unit.

• Assess your current and future storage needs: By far, this is the most important step. Take inventory of what you want to store. Measure large or bulky items. Also, take note of potential future storage needs so you don’t have to rent an extra unit.
• Consider the shapes of your items: Large, bulky items will take up more space than neatly packed boxes. Depending on their contents, boxes can be stacked nearly to the ceiling, maximizing your unit space.
• Consider your needed accessibility: Some people rent a storage unit but rarely–if ever–need anything from it. If this is your situation, rent a smaller unit and pack it tightly. But if you plan on regularly accessing the items in your storage unit, choose a unit size that lets you move around, rearrange boxes, and rotate items as necessary.
• Round up if you’re not sure: If you’ve done the above calculations but are still not sure which size is best for you, it’s always better to round up to the bigger size. Most renters are surprised how much stuff they have to store and are glad to have more space.

At Peavler Moving & Storage, we offer five different sizes of storage units:

• 5 x 10: This is a similar size to a walk-in closet. You can fit a few larger furnishings, like a queen-sized bed
• 10 x 10: This size can hold an average of two bedrooms’ worth of furnishings
• 10 x 15: Most belongings in a two-bedroom apartment can fit in this space
• 10 x 20: You can store average vehicles in this size, or up to three rooms
• 10 x 30: You can store most of the belongings in your 5-room home in this size. Many customers use this size for large and bulky furniture like household and outdoor furniture, trailers or RVs, or heavy machinery

Should I Get a Bigger Self-Storage Unit or Rent Two?

It’s generally cheaper and easier to rent a bigger unit than renting two. However, there may be times to rent two separate units, like if you’re moving your home and business or if you have valuable items or documents you want to keep separate from common items.

What Happens If My Self-Storage Space Is Too Small?

This happens more often than you might think–so if it happens to you, you’re not alone! Contact Peavler Moving & Storage to help find the best solution. We work with our customers to best rectify a miscalculation while working within the renter’s contract.

However, it’s always best to avoid this problem by getting a bigger storage unit, even if you don’t think you’ll need it. For instance, although a 10′ x 15′ generally holds the belongings of a two-bedroom apartment, you may want to get a 10′ x 20′ size, especially if you have bulky furniture or extra books, decorations, or other possessions.

Do I Need a Climate-Controlled Unit?

Climate-controlled units keep the temperature of the unit between 55-80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. This keeps items made from leather, wood, paper, fabric, and some metals from splitting, disintegrating, or rusting.

Generally speaking, renters are most pleased with their self-storage experience when they choose a climate-controlled unit. Renters are heartbroken to open their unit and realize their prized possessions have been ruined by extreme weather conditions. There’s tremendous peace of mind in knowing your items will optimally withstand any blistering winter or blazing summer.

Most renters have at least some possessions that have leather, wood, paper, fabric, and metal. For this reason, it’s usually best to pick a climate-controlled unit.

If you have other questions about self-storage, please contact Peavler Moving & Storage! We are happy to answer any questions and assist you with securing your very first self-storage unit.